My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

Rami is a developer, speaker, and global ambassador for indie games. As the co-founder of Vlambeer, he helped create a string of critically acclaimed titles—including Super Crate Box, Ridiculous Fishing, Luftrausers, and Nuclear Throne—that helped define a new era of independent game development. Beyond his work on games, he’s become one of the most visible and influential voices in the industry, advocating for accessibility, diversity, and support for developers around the world. Through his public speaking, writing, and tools like presskit() and distribute(), he’s worked tirelessly to empower smaller studios to reach broader audiences.Links:Rami Ismail WebsiteAustralia Did It trailerThe Guilt of the Indie Game Millionaires, New Yorker.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorien Testard is a French musician and composer. He started his career as a guitar teacher, composing instrumental tracks for imaginary video games in his spare time. He began to upload them to his Soundcloud, and soon had a collection of more than fifty pieces online. His life changed when he shared one of the tracks in an indie game forum. A video game director saw the post and invited my guest to craft the entire eight-hour score for his game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.The resulting soundtrack breathes emotional life into the game. It use solo cello and saxophone themes, and weaves in accordion playing in homage to French culture. Whether working with voice, guitar, or ambient soundscapes, my guest composes with intention, infusing each track he writes with atmosphere, purpose, and identity.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Plante is a journalist, editor, and one of the sharpest voices working in video game media. After studying at New York University, he worked as freelance writer for outlets including The Guardian, Vulture, and Edge before, in 2012, co-founding Polygon, a website blending coverage of pop culture, longform storytelling, and thoughtful games criticism. Alongside his journalism, he co-wrote the story for the hit podcast series, Limetown, later adapted into a TV series starring Stanley Tucci. In 2017, after a stint overseeing the Culture desk at The Verge, he returned to Polygon as editor-in-chief. In May, after nearly a decade at the site, he left Polygon to launch Post Games, a podcast about why and how we love video games. Smart, funny, and never afraid to challenge the status quo, my guest has helped define contemporary games journalism. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire L. Evans. is an American musician, writer, and artist whose career has spanned music, technology, and cultural criticism. Best known as the co-founder and lead singer of the indie pop group YACHT, she has helped steer the group into bold experiments at the intersection of sound, performance, and digital art. She’s also the author of Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet, a widely acclaimed history that re-centres the pioneering women whose work shaped our digital world. Beyond that, her essays and criticism have appeared in VICE, Wired, and The Guardian, where she often explores the ways technology and culture collide. Most recently, she's one of the creators of Blippo+, a TV channel-surfing game for Switch, Steam, and Playdate in which players flip through a surreal lineup of alien broadcasts, lo-fi oddities, and hidden lore, uncovering the strange culture of Planet Blip one channel at a time.LINKS:YACHTClaire' websiteBlippo+Night and the City, Christian Donlan.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander O. Smith is a translator, writer, and creative producer whose work has brought some of Japan’s most acclaimed stories to audiences around the world. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in classical Japanese Literature, he went on to become one of the most respected voices in literary and video game translation. He is best known for his celebrated work on Final Fantasy XII, Vagrant Story, and the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorneyseries, as well as his translations of Japanese novels and manga, including those by Miyuki Miyabe and Akira Toriyama. With a rare gift for capturing cultural nuance, he has helped define how English-speaking players and readers experience modern Japanese storytelling.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Rosen, a Grammy-winning musician and the mastermind behind The 8-Bit Big Band, dives into the world of reimagining video game music in a jazzy style. He shares his creative process for selecting iconic game songs, the influence of his Broadway background, and why Ocarina of Time uniquely resonates with him. Charlie also reminisces about forming his band, the audience's enthusiastic response, and his mission to create 'The Great Video Game Songbook.' Plus, he hints at dream collaborations and future projects!

Andy Robertson, a veteran journalist and founder of Ludocene, explores the intersection of video games and community. He introduces Ludocene as a game recommendation platform that emphasizes human expertise over algorithms. Reflecting on nostalgic gaming memories that shaped his career, he discusses innovative titles like Flower and Journey, highlighting their emotional narratives. Robertson also shares insights on integrating games into unconventional settings, promoting gaming's potential to foster inclusivity and creativity across diverse audiences.

Lizzie Killian, lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Teens in Trouble, shares her journey from gaming communications to music stardom. She discusses balancing touring with personal life and reflects on the emotional depth influencing her songwriting. Lizzie also dives into her cherished childhood gaming memories and reveals how her Filipino heritage shaped her artistic path. As the band gears up for their fall tour, she highlights the fusion of music, gaming, and creativity, offering listeners a glimpse into her unique experiences.

Join Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, a French-Canadian creative director known for reinvigorating the Deus Ex series and leading Hell is Us, as he shares his creative journey. He dives into the innovative themes of his upcoming game, blending nostalgia with modern conflict narratives. Jonathan reflects on his Montreal upbringing and how it shaped his identity and artistic vision. He also discusses the challenges of portraying nuanced conflict in gaming, offering insights into the balance between gameplay and emotional depth.

Tonda Ros, a visual artist and game developer behind the acclaimed game Blue Prince, shares insights on blending mystery, architecture, and interactive storytelling. He discusses the surreal mansion setting of his game and how community feedback shaped its development. Tonda reflects on his early gaming influences, particularly the impact of 'The Legend of Zelda,' and his transition from the film industry to game design. With a focus on passion and creativity, he navigates the challenges of indie game-making while redefining player experiences.